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Than Lwin Times - English Edition Than Lwin Times is an online Media covering News from Lower Myanmar.

Young Residents of Mawlamyine Subjected to Forced Arrests for Military Conscription Mon StateApril 29, 2024. (Than Lwin ...
29/04/2024

Young Residents of Mawlamyine Subjected to Forced Arrests for Military Conscription Mon State

April 29, 2024. (Than Lwin Times)

Soldiers and police are compiling lists from ward and village administrators in Mawlamyine Township Mon State, to forcibly recruit local youths into military service locals said.

Junta’s soldiers and police are conducting nighttime patrols in Mawlamyine, ostensibly for security, but are instead conducting surprise raids and abducting young individuals who have reached conscription age.

Two young men, listed for conscription, were recently apprehended by soldiers and taken to the recruitment centre near the Mon Culture Museum.

Similarly three young men were forcefully taken by military vehicles in Mawlamyine, and when family members made inquiries , the Junta authorities responded that they were on the conscription list and were being detained for military service, a Mawlamyine resident told Than Lwin Times.

"Two Muslim youths and a Hindu youth from Taungtan ward were forcibly intercepted by a military vehicle while returning home. They were taken away against their will. When their families were finally able to contact them, they had already been brought to the recruitment centre. The soldiers justified their actions by citing the inclusion of the young men in the conscription list conducted by the ward administrators”, he said.

Lately the Junta troops have decreased the practice of summoning young people in accordance with conscription laws, and opting instead to employ tactics of abduction, and rounding up individuals found outside during nighttime.

A local source said that families of young people forcibly sent to recruitment centres who wanted to secure the release of their sons, are only freed in change for a massive ransom payment. These street abductions has resulted in virtually empty streets after 9:00 pm at night.

As per a report published on April 13 by the Burma Affairs and Conflict Study (BACS), over 4,300 young people nationwide were sent to 15 recruitment centres, and compelled to undergo military training for the first batch of the conscription. Other reports suggest much higher numbers have been forcibly abducted.

According to BACS, for Mon State, the Junta's recruitment centre in Weakali Village, within Thanbyuzayat Township, saw 200 youths summoned and trained as part of the initial batch of conscripts.

Photo: MOI

Lack of Clean Water Has Triggered Major outbreak of Disease Among Inmates of Kyaikmaraw Prison Mon StateApril 24, 2024. ...
25/04/2024

Lack of Clean Water Has Triggered Major outbreak of Disease Among Inmates of Kyaikmaraw Prison Mon State

April 24, 2024. (Than Lwin Times)

Outbreaks of various illnesses affecting male and female inmates at Kyaikmaraw Central Prison in Mon State, appears to have been caused by the inadequate distribution of drinking and as well as utility water, sources close to the prison said.

In spite of a prolonged period of scorching heat, prison authorities refuse to provide an adequate water supply to inmates and are cutting back on rations. In addition to reduced water rations, inmates are grappling with health issues as the drinking water they receive is contaminated with tainted substances.

A source familiar with the situation revealed to Than Lwin Times that the majority of inmates are enduring itchy skin, skin rashes, and sores, as a result of the sweltering heat and the weakened resistance of prison inmates to infection.

"The most pressing issue for all inmates including political prisoners, is the shortage of water. Skin problems arise when there is insufficient drinking and utility water. Instances of chicken pox and scabs emerge due to the lack of clean water. The intense heat also leads to inmates developing rashes and sores on their skin. Nearly every dormitory in the prison faces these problems”, he said.

Due to the extreme temperatures and inadequate water supply, inmates experienced illnesses such as skin problems, diarrhea, and heatstroke, yet the prison authorities failed to provide effective treatment.

Despite repeated requests for access to clean water, the prison authorities have not made made any effort to accommodate these requests. Some financially privileged inmates decided to purchase bottled water at their own expense from the convenience store within the prison.

Some family members of the inmates reported that they were required to pay the prison authorities in order to send medicine to sick ones in Kyaikmaraw Central Prison.

Sources close to the prison report that approximately 1,500 individuals including political prisoners are currently incarcerated in the facility on various charges.
Photo: Myanmar Now

Junta Rounds Up Magway Youth for Military ServiceApril 25, 2024. (Than Lwin Times)Following the implementation of the co...
25/04/2024

Junta Rounds Up Magway Youth for Military Service

April 25, 2024. (Than Lwin Times)

Following the implementation of the conscription law, the Junta usually employed a lottery system or drawing straws, to select young individuals for military service, yet in Magway this process has been by-passed. Arbitrary arrests are being made to forcibly enlist youths into the military.

Local youth have been arrested in Pwintphyu and Myothit towns, under the pretext that they had provided logistical support to the People's Defense Force (PDF). In fact those arrested iwere coerced into military service, with at least five such cases reported in Pwintphyu alone, according to a local.

"They were arrested for allegedly supporting PDF. If they are not from families with sufficient financial standing, they will undoubtedly be sent to the frontlines. The situation is already quite dire”, he said.

Similarly, 17 young males from Innywargyi village tract in Myothit Township, and 2 from Magyikone village were forcibly abducted for compulsory military service.

In Magway Region, instances have arisen where resistance forces have taken action against individuals who aided or promoted the Junta's conscription law.

In Minbu District, local resistance forces have issued warnings that individuals who encourage public participation in the Junta's military service will be labeled as pro-Junta advocates, and will face severe consequences.

In Salin, over 20 administrative officials and advocates for the conscription law were assassinated in March and April, leading to a wave of resignations among administrative personnel due to heightened fear.

Photo -Social Media

17/04/2024

Thingyan wishes
++++++++

Resistance Drone Attacks Hit Naypyidaw Military Headquarters and Aye Lar Air BaseApril 4, 2024. (Than Lwin Times)The Nat...
04/04/2024

Resistance Drone Attacks Hit Naypyidaw Military Headquarters and Aye Lar Air Base

April 4, 2024. (Than Lwin Times)

The National Unity Government (NUG) declared successful coordinated drone strikes by resistance forces on Myanmar Army command headquarters and Aye Lar Air Base in Naypyidaw.

NUG reported that kamikaze drones were used in attacks carried out on the morning of April 4.

"At the moment, all we can confirm is that there is damage and casualties resulting from the attacks. Our mission is ongoing , so we are unable to disclose further details at this time”, an individual who participated in the operations told Than Lwin Times.

The Army command headquarters was targeted by special units of the People's Defense Force (PDF) and the Kloud Drone team of the Shar Htoo WAW Tactical Force.

This appears to be new landmark in the annals of the resistance since the 2021 coup, and the first time an effective attack has been able to hit 2 major targets in the highly protected capital of Naypyidaw.

Photo: MOD

Junta Reinforces Security in Mawlamyine after Drone Attacks Mon State March 27, 2024The Junta escalated security measure...
27/03/2024

Junta Reinforces Security in Mawlamyine after Drone Attacks Mon State

March 27, 2024

The Junta escalated security measures in Mawlamyine Township, Mon State following two drone attacks occurring within a single day, locals said.

Resistance forces initiated their first strike on Mawlamyine Airport at noon on March 24, by deploying a drome armed with a bomb.The attack caused slight damage to a portion of the runway, however there were no reports of major damage or injuries, according to sources close to the Junta.

Later on the same day, resistance forces launched another strike, this time targeting the compound of the ethnic cultural center, which was occupied by Junta troops, in Minywa village, Mawlamyine, utilizing a small handmade drone aircraft.

Following these two incidents, the Junta bolstered security measures in Mawlamyine by increasing patrols, implementing strict inspections, and conducting overnight guest list checks, locals told Than Lwin Times.

According to locals, Junta troops have intensified security around several key locations including the Mon State Hall, the electricity distribution office in Mandalay ward, Kyaik Tha Lan Pagoda, Nyaung Pin Seik jetty, as well as the main entrances and exits in and out of the city.

Mawlamyine residents reported that security forces in civilian clothing have been stationed at crucial intersections, with covert sentinels deployed in certain areas as well.

Similar security measures were implemented by the Junta last year in response to drone attacks on the Southeast Military Command Headquarters and Ministerial Housing.

Sources close to the Junta also noted that security measures have been intensified in response to reports suggesting the potential for resistance forces to launch attacks on downtown Mawlamyine at any moment.

News-Than Lwin Times
Photo - CJ

Surge in Arrests of Youth Fleeing to Thailand to Evade Military DraftMarch 25, 2024The number of people fleeing Thailand...
25/03/2024

Surge in Arrests of Youth Fleeing to Thailand to Evade Military Draft

March 25, 2024

The number of people fleeing Thailand to evade conscription and also the number arrested for not been able to produce the proper documentation.

Since the enforcement of the conscription law by the current Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing on February 10, which was initially enacted during the reign of former military dictator U Than Shwe but remained dormant, numerous young individuals have been departing for foreign nations using various means available to them.

Among them, many Myanmar nationals attempting to enter neighboring Thailand illegally are being continuously arrested in Kanchanaburi and Tak provinces, bordering Myawaddy and Payathonzu (Three Pagodas Pass), as well as in the Kawthaung-Ranong border areas.

There has also been a massive queues of Myanmar youths who can afford migration expenses seeking legal entry into Thailand, lining up at the Thai embassy in Yangon usually at least 1,000 every day. Faced by an overwhelming number of visa applicants, the embassy as tried to reduce the queues outside by accepting a limited number of online and in-person applications.

According to a report from the Institute for Strategy and Policy (ISP-Myanmar), an independent research organization, the exodus of young people abroad as a result of the conscription law could adversely affect the country's developmental prospects for generations to come.

U Aung Kyaw, a migrant assistance worker, informed Than Lwin Times that individuals aged 18 and above, are resorting to various methods to enter Thailand, driven by their fear of the conscription law.

"We've noticed an increase in arrests reported in Thai news, though it is very difficult to determine the exact figures, as some incidents go unreported. There are cases where individuals are deported back to Myanmar. It is evident that due to the unjust conscription of military service by the Junta, young people over 18 in Myanmar are fleeing to Thailand daily”, he said.

On March 22, Thai authorities apprehended 17 Myanmar nationals for illegal entry into Thailand via Payathonzu town on the Thailand-Myanmar border.

Similarly, on March 19, Thai police and border guards arrested over 100 undocumented Myanmar nationals attempting to enter Kanchanaburi through various routes and checkpoints in the town.

U Aung Kyaw added that following interrogations by Thai immigration authorities, undocumented Myanmar citizens are typically repatriated to Myanmar with an assurance that they will not attempt reentry into Thailand.

He urged the Thai government to provide accommodation, employment opportunities, and humanitarian aid to Myanmar youths who risked seeking refuge in Thailand to avoid the conscription law.

News: (Than Lwin Times)
Photo: Twitter

Junta Arrests 235 Civilians from Tanintharyi Region in FebruaryMarch 14, 2024. FE5 Tanintharyi, a research group, reveal...
14/03/2024

Junta Arrests 235 Civilians from Tanintharyi Region in February

March 14, 2024.

FE5 Tanintharyi, a research group, revealed that the Junta detained nearly 235 civilians in the Tanintharyi Region for a variety of reasons, in February.

A total of 235 individuals were apprehended, with 222 detained across Dawei, Thayetchaung, Launglon, and Yebyu townships, while 7 were arrested in Myeik township and 6 in Kawthaung.

Those arrested often ended up being forced into serving as human shields, as Junta troops entered villages or were forcibly taken along with military columns.

Tragically, some teachers who participated in the Civil Disobedi ence Movement (CDM) lost their lives during detention.

Out of the 235 individuals detained by the Junta troops, 206 were released, leaving 29 who were indicted on various charges.

Throughout February, 8 civilians were killed as a result of violence carried out by the Junta and allied armed groups, including killings, landmine incidents, shelling, and airstrikes.

As a consequence of the enforced conscription law by the Junta, many young individuals are choosing to migrate abroad or join resistance forces, further worsening labor shortages in the region.

FE5 Tanintharyi's report also disclosed that over 48,800 individuals were displaced in February as fighting intensified in the Tanintharyi Region.

News - (Than Lwin Times)
Photo - Social Media

Junta Ramps Up Forces to Maintain Control of Crucial Border Town MyawaddyMarch 14, 2024. Frontline sources reported that...
14/03/2024

Junta Ramps Up Forces to Maintain Control of Crucial Border Town Myawaddy

March 14, 2024.

Frontline sources reported that the coup Military Council intensified air attacks and deployed urgent reinforcements in Myawaddy, a Thailand-Myanmar border town that amidst escalation hostilities between junta forces and the resistance.

Since March 7, intense clashes have been going on between the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA)-led joint resistance forces and Junta troops, in both Myawaddy and the adjacent Thinganyinaung area. During the Battle of Thinganyinaung, resistance forces led by the KNLA seized control of the headquarters of the Junta's 355th Light Infantry Battalion and the local police station.

Currently the resistance forces maintain the momentum of their offensive, targeting the Myawaddy-based 357th Light Infantry Battalion and the Tactical Command Base, while the Junta responds with desperation, resorting to heavy air raids.

To prevent the loss of Myawaddy, the Junta has been withdrawing troops from the battalions under the 44th Division in Kyaikto Township and the 22nd Division in Hpa-An Township, and consistently dispatching them as reinforcements to Myawaddy by air.

On March 11, the resistance forces chalked up another gain in the Battle of Thinganyinaung, when they gained control of the Junta's Hpalu military camp, located just 8 miles south of Myawaddy.

In the course of the camp's capture, certain Junta troops surrendered to the resistance, while others fled across the border into Thailand, frontline sources said.

Myawaddy, located on the Thailand-Myanmar border, is pivotal for border trade, prompting the Junta to fiercely resist using airstrikes and multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) to prevent losing control of the town.

News - (Than Lwin Times)
Photo EPA

Over 400 Youth Seek Refuge with KNU to Evade Conscription Law Karen State Thaton District March 7, 2024. The People& #39...
07/03/2024

Over 400 Youth Seek Refuge with KNU to Evade Conscription Law Karen State Thaton District

March 7, 2024.

The People& #39;s Defense Force (PDF) - Thaton District reported that over 400 young individuals sought refuge in the Karen National Union (KNU)& #39;s Thaton District, fleeing the Junta& #39;s mandatory conscription law for military recruitment.

On February 10th, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the coup leader, announced the activation of the conscription law, which was enacted in 2010 under former Junta leader U Than Shwe, but had remained dormant for an extended period.

In almost a month since the Junta declared the activation of the conscription law, over 600 young individuals from across the nation have reached out to KNU-Thaton District seeking refuge, with over 400 of them having already arrived.

Ko Aye Min Tun, an officer of PDF-Thaton District, stated that KNU-Thaton District is currently providing shelter and support to young individuals who voluntarily seek refuge, with the intention to understand each individual& #39;s desires and assist them in determining their future paths.

Currently, we are still screening them about each individual& #39;s objective. We ask whether they sought asylum solely to avoid military service, or if they intend to join PDF following military training.

Some arrived with family members. Therefore once we understand their individual stance, we can assist them in navigating the next step. We believe that the majority are inclined towards contributing to the revolution”, he told Than Lwin Times.

These young individuals reached out to various resistance forces as intermediaries before ultimately seeking refuge in KNU - Thaton District, with 2 percent of them being women.

The Junta& #39;s conscription law mandates that men aged 18 - 45 and women aged 18 to 35 must serve in the military for a duration ranging from 2 - 5 years.

The Junta has declared that the first batch of conscripts will commence enlistment in late April, with intentions to summon 5,000 individuals monthly, resulting in an annual military draft of 60,000.

Following the Junta& #39;s enforcement of the conscription law, numerous young individuals unwilling to serve in the military opted to either join resistance forces, or depart en masse to foreign countries, including neighboring Thailand, through legal and illegal means.

News: (Than Lwin Times)
Photo: Thaton District PDF

61 Townships in Myanmar Now Under Martial Law March 7, 2024 Data for Myanmar, a research organization, reports that the ...
07/03/2024

61 Townships in Myanmar Now Under Martial Law

March 7, 2024

Data for Myanmar, a research organization, reports that the number of townships under martial law declared by the Junta in the three years following the coup has surged to 61 nationwide.

In 2021 the Junta imposed martial law in 8 townships, followed by 48 in 2023, and an additional 5 in the first two months of 2024.

Mantong, Namhsan, and Namtu in northern Shan State, were recently placed under martial law on March 4 th . All these townships had been captured by the Ta& #39;ang National
Liberation Army (TNLA) during & #39;Operation 1027& #39;.

Military and political analysts suggest that the Junta& #39;s declaration of martial law in townships under TNLA& #39;s control could signify a potential breach of the ceasefire agreement,
possibly leading to renewed clashes.

Based on the 2014 census, an estimated 8.2 million individuals reside in the 61 townships currently subjected to martial law, out of a total of 330 townships across Myanmar.

Within the townships under martial law, the Junta has granted the military regional commanders complete administrative and judicial authority, denying the accused any right to appeal and permitting the imposition of the most severe penalties, including the death sentence.

News : (Than Lwin Times)
Photo: Social Media

Conscription Law Pushes Myanmar Business to the BrinkMarch 3, 2024. Local businessmen fear the Junta’s conscription law ...
04/03/2024

Conscription Law Pushes Myanmar Business to the Brink

March 3, 2024.

Local businessmen fear the Junta’s conscription law by the Military Council, will be disastrous for many sectors of the economy in the wake of the ongoing exodus of young people migrating, and endless queues outside Thai embassy in Yangon and the consulate in Mandalay to leave the country with all possible speed.

Youths opposed to military service under the Junta are fleeing en masse to foreign countries, such as neighboring Thailand, utilizing both legal means and illegal border crossing routes.

The exodus of the local youth population to foreign nations could profoundly affect the garment, construction, agriculture, import product, and service industries, with the looming threat of severe labor shortages A construction entrepreneur told Than Lwin Times that, as a result of the conscription law enforced by the Junta, the majority of workers have left the country, and those remaining are also making plans to emigrate, leading to a complete halt in operations for all businesses.

On February 10th, the coup Military Council announced the enforcement of the conscription law, which had been enacted more than a decade ago but remained dormant

According to inquiries by Than Lwin Times, following the activation of the conscription law by the Junta, an average of 3 to 5 out of every 10 individuals in workplaces have either already departed or are making preparations to emigrate abroad.

Another SME entrepreneur commented that the conscription law may result in negative consequences such as labor shortages, a significant decline in manufacturing activities, and the loss of skilled professionals, which could in turn lead to a loss of income for the nation.

"In the current situation, we are experiencing electricity outages, and commodity prices are rising exorbitantly too. If our workers leave, how can we sustain our businesses? We are in a dilemma. Without our employees, we will lose our livelihoods”, he said.

The Institute for Strategy and Policy - Myanmar (ISP-Myanmar), a research organization, has reported that the conscription law enforced by the Junta could result in halting all prospects of progress in Myanmar, and could come at a great cost to the economy and its manufacturing capacity.

Under the conscription law, individuals aged 18- 45 for men and 18 - 35 for women are mandated to serve in the military for a minimum of 2 years, with the potential for the duration of service to be prolonged to 5 years.

"In the country's manufacturing sector, young labor sources can be seen as the driving force. Individuals around the age of 35 are particularly valuable in boosting the country's GDP. If these individuals leave the country, our income will decline, our workforce will diminish, we will lose human resources, and expertise will be lost as well”, he elaborated.

Economists have also warned that the GDP will drastically decline as a consequence of the conscription law, and the country may plunge into negative territory across all sectors, surpassing the existing economic crisis.

According to a statement from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, within two weeks of the announcement of the conscription law, more than 7,000 visa applicants were recorded at the Thai embassy.

An individual assisting with labour affairs also analysed that due to the conscription law, panic among young people has risen, and with their mass exodus abroad, investment activities may cease, leading to a potential surge in job losses.

"Due to the conscription law, there is significant apprehension among youths and young adults. It is understandable that they are deeply concerned, given the law's implementation amidst political instability and conflicts globally, prompting many to choose to leave the country. This could lead to further labor losses in the future. Furthermore, European countries have been instrumental in providing labour assistance to our nation, but these current developments may impact those opportunities. As a consequence, more businesses might cease operations. If investments halt, we could see a sudden increase in both labor and job losses”, he said.

The current coup leader, Min Aung Hlaing, has implemented the People's Military Service Law, which was passed in 2010 under the former junta U Than Shwe but had not been enforced until now. According to this law, individuals who attempt to evade military service may face sentences ranging from 1 - 5 years in prison.

Currently, the Military Council has established committees at the central, regional and state levels to draft civilians into military service and is also pushing the formation of additional basic committees at the district, township, ward, and village levels as quickly as possible.

The Military Council has announced plans to enlist 5,000 new recruits in April following the upcoming Thingyan festival (Myanmar traditional new year celebrations), marking the first batch under the conscription law. The Junta also confirmed its aim to summon up to 60,000 military conscripts annually.

News-Than Lwin Times
Photo - CJ

Nearly 500 Resistance Fighters Killed in 3-Year Period in Karenni StateMarch 4, 2024. The Progressive Karenni People For...
04/03/2024

Nearly 500 Resistance Fighters Killed in 3-Year Period in Karenni State

March 4, 2024.

The Progressive Karenni People Force (PKPF) reports that nearly 500 resistance fighters have been killed in Karenni State since the Junta ‘s coup in February 1st, 2021, until January 2024.

In 2021, the death toll of Karenni resistance fighters stood at 41, escalating to 170 in 2022, and further to 228 in 2023, with another 50 fatalities recorded in the first month of 2024, bringing the total to 489.

The casualties included members of newly formed armed resistance forces post-coup, established ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), and defectors from militia units aligned with the Junta.

PKPF's compiled lists reveal a total of 985 skirmishes and major battles in Karenni State over a span of three years, with the Military Council employing approximately 1,300 airstrikes.

In 2023, the clashes reached their peak, with resistance forces successfully downing two Junta aircraft and destroying 68 military vehicles, including armored vehicles.

Resistance forces told Than Lwin Times that a total of 3,133 Junta troops were killed in the clashes, although the actual number could be significantly higher.

As of now, the resistance forces maintain full control over Mese, Shadaw, Mawchi, and Ywarthit areas in Karenni State, and are actively pursuing the capture of Demoso, Hpruso, and Loikaw, continuing their offensive stances.

News - Than Lwin Times
Photo: KNDF

Military Council Fortifying Capital Naypyidaw as Final StrongholdFebruary 28, 2024Three years since staging the coup, th...
28/02/2024

Military Council Fortifying Capital Naypyidaw as Final Stronghold

February 28, 2024

Three years since staging the coup, the Junta has ordered the preparations to bolster military fortifications in Naypyidaw, the capital and its headquarters, after a string of battlefield defeats.

The Ayeyarwaddy Times reported on February 25th ,according to sources inside the military, the Military Council has directed the regional commands in Yezin and Pyinmana townships, neighboring Naypyidaw, to formulate strategies for robust defense and counterattacks.

To enhance coordination and communication among battalions, boost operational effectiveness, and efficiently deploy reinforcements, the Military Council has directed the drafting of military strategy proposals since February 20th, with the most potent plans slated for implementation.

Naypyidaw, designated as a key military region, operates directly under the Naypyidaw Regional Command, encompassing 3 tactical operation commands and 10 infantry and light infantry battalions. Furthermore, Theahpyu village in Pyinmana Township, near Naypyidaw, hosts the headquarters of the No. 6 Tactical Operation Command, overseeing another 10 infantry and light infantry battalions.

As the Junta faces a string of battlefield losses nationwide, casualties have surged, and thousands of soldiers have surrendered. Furthermore, with the loss of over 40 towns across Myanmar, the Junta is now scrambling to fortify Naypyidaw as its last stand.

In late November of last year, The Ayeyarwaddy Times reported that, since later 2023, the Military Council had relocated around 14,000 soldiers, selected from various battlefronts across the nation, to barracks in the capital city of Naypyidaw.

This strategic move was aimed at safeguarding the headquarters of the coup regime.


Padoh Saw Taw Nee, spokesperson for the Karen National Union (KNU), a significant player in the revolution, remarked that the focus of the anti-Junta movement should now shift towards strategizing, how to breach the defensive fortifications surrounding the Junta's stronghold in Naypyidaw ?

The KNU currently has no intention of launching offensives to capture towns, but it is crucial to be prepared to strike Naypyidaw with ruthless precision if necessary, adapting to rapidly changing circumstances, he pointed out.


Military and political researcher U Than Soe Naing noted that at present, only the KNU is contemplating an attack on Naypyidaw, however the feasibility of this plan hinges heavily on the involvement of other resistance factions.

"To launch an offensive on Naypyidaw, the first step is to gain control of the Mandalay Region. Once that is achieved, the next objective is to secure the military regions in Pyinoolwin. Although KNU is contemplating an advance towards Naypyidaw, the success of this endeavor largely depends on strategic cooperation with other resistance forces”, he emphasized.

Presently, the territories controlled by the resistance forces in the Bago Region and at the Shan-Karenni border are merely 70 to 100 miles away from Naypyidaw.


Hence, to reclaim the military regions held by the resistance forces in close proximity to Naypyidaw, the Military Council is resorting to desperate counterattacks, employing a mix of heavy shelling and airstrikes.

Former Captain Lin Htet Aung, a participant in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), noted that while it is understandable for the Junta, currently grappling with a series of military setbacks to fortify Naypyidaw extensively, there may be limits on their ability to mount a significant counter-offensive.


"Given the Junta's continuous losses in various frontlines, it appears to be preparing for a final stand. As we have witnessed, its defensive measures are faltering in many regions, prompting Naypyidaw to bolster its defenses. However, if a counter-offensive is planned, the Junta may encounter limitations. Its soldiers are grappling with poor ability, morale, and strategy, suggesting that shifting from defense to offense could be constrained”, he pointed out.


Meanwhile the Junta grappling with a critical manpower shortage, revealed on February 10th its intention to implement the military draft law, which has lain dormant for over a decade, aiming to conscript approximately 60000 personnel.


The National Unity Government (NUG) has rallied behind the battle-cry, 'All Roads Lead to Naypyidaw,' aiming to make 2024 a pivotal year in defeating the military dictatorship. Prime Minister Mahn Win Khaing Than has also announced NUG's readiness to enhance military cooperation with allies.

News - Than Lwin Times
Photo - EPA

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